Hernia Repair

A hernia is a gap in muscle tissue that allows one part of the body to protrude into another. In theory, hernias can occur almost anywhere. However, most form in the abdominal muscle tissue. Abdominal muscles support the internal organs so a hernia in this area may affect the abdominal organs and intestine.

A hernia or gap can occur of its own accord at a point of natural weakness in the abdominal wall or if the abdominal wall tissue becomes overstretched. Hernias are known to develop in the abdominal wall near the site of a previous surgical incision. This type of hernia is called an incisional hernia. Umbilical hernias occur near the belly button, a point of natural weakness. Inguinal hernias occur in the groin. Other hernias can occur in the middle of the abdomen. Hiatal hernias occur the in diaphragm muscle that separates the abdomen and chest.

The occurrence of a gap in the abdominal wall is not usually a problem. Many people with small hernias are never aware of them. It is only when the gap herniates (allows tissue from another part of the body to poke through, that problems arise. Abdominal hernias are dangerous because a bit of intestine, or in the case of a hiatal hernia, a bit of the stomach, can protrude through the hernia and become trapped. Trapped intestine or stomach tissue is very painful and serious.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Dr. Bagnato uses a minimally invasive approach for most hernia repairs. Instead of a large incision, Dr. Bagnato will make three or four small incisions about the size of a pencil eraser and insert a laparoscope and long surgical instruments to repair the hernia. Through the laparoscope, Dr. Bagnato can locate the hernia and repair it using a strong surgical mesh. This is called a tension-free repair and, with this type of repair, the area is less likely to herniate again in the future.

The advantage of this approach to hernia repair is that, because the incisions are much smaller than traditional open methods, there is less postoperative discomfort and recovery time is reduced.